President Murmu, VP Radhakrishnan Mourn 7 Pilgrims Killed In Gujarat Crash

Seven pilgrims were killed and several others injured in a tragic road accident in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district early Monday morning, prompting condolences from President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The accident occurred around 1:20 a.m. on the Lakhtar–Viramgam highway between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages near Lakhtar. According to officials, a group of pilgrims travelling on foot was struck from behind by a speeding dumper truck while walking along the roadside. The victims were part of a larger group of around 700 devotees undertaking a pilgrimage.

The deceased, all belonging to the Bharwad community, were members of the Mundhva family and included five women and two men. They had been travelling from Gadhka village in Rajkot district towards Viramgam for temple prayers and a flag-hoisting ritual. Several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

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In a message posted on social media, President Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Vice President Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Modi also conveyed their grief, describing the incident as tragic and distressing.

Eyewitnesses said the truck was travelling at high speed and failed to slow down despite the presence of pedestrians. Some accounts indicated that a vehicle had been halted by the roadside, possibly due to a tyre issue, when the pilgrims were hit. Emergency services, including the 108 ambulance team, responded promptly and transported victims to a government hospital.

Police have registered a case against the truck driver, who fled the scene following the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and are examining factors such as speed, visibility, and road conditions.

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